Lentigo maligna is a type of growth that develops in areas of long-term sun exposure, such as your face, hands or legs. Lentigo maligna starts as a dark flat spot that slowly darkens and enlarges. Eventually the spot may develop into a melanoma, a type of skin cancer that begins in the top layer of skin and then invades the underlying skin layer. See your doctor if you notice a new skin growth, a bothersome change in your skin, a change in the appearance or texture of a mole, or a sore that doesn't heal.

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